2023-24 Rutgers Preview

Sebastian Rivera may not be in the lineup anymore, but his presence in the room as he prepared for his World Championship finals run had a huge impact on the guys still competing for the Scarlet Knights. Along with the impact of Rivera’s work ethic, some experienced transfers, and the return of a few leaders, this team is ready to make a splash this season and impress upon their pre-season rankings as they currently sit at 13th (tournament) and 14th (dual). Listen to Head Coach Scott Goodale’s comments about the upcoming season. Top Returners Dean Peterson A season ago a hard-fought 3-1 blood round loss to Lock Haven’s Anthony Noto ended Peterson’s season. But a preseason of tough workouts has Coach Goodale calling him “the most impressive guy” so with that type of endorsement and his top-10 ranking (he’s currently ranked 6th at 125 pounds) coming into the season, expect some big things from him this year. Jackson Turley After an All-American year in 2021, Turley hasn’t been back on the podium since. But a consistent season could see Turley prove that his #28 pre-season standing isn’t who he truly is. Brian Soldano Soldano stepped into the lineup a year ago as a true freshman and notched 25 wins while qualifying for his first NCAA Championship tournament. Now a year later he’s ready to make an even bigger impact on the team along with a strong contingent in the back half of the lineup that will be hard to contest with. John Poznanski Poz was a major tone-setter for Rutgers during the 2021-22 season where he finished as an AA. Then, last year, he took a redshirt to get healthy after having to fight through some injuries during his sophomore season. But now he’s back and he’s bigger as he’s now moving up to a very competition-heavy 197-pound weight class. Key Departures Joe Heilmann (133) and Boone McDermott (HWT) both had big impacts on the team a season ago. Heilmann finished his final campaign with 25 wins and an appearance at the NCAA Championships for the Scarlet Knights after transferring to the New Jersey squad from UNC. McDermott was also an NCAA qualifier who saw his career in the block R singlet come to an end on day one in Tulsa, OK a season ago. Newcomers Mitch Moore, Jacob Butler and Yaraslau Slavikouski A trio of NCAA qualifying transfers have joined the squad in NJ this season. Moore and Butler made the move from Sooner Country in Oklahoma where they competed at 141 and 149. They will be doing the same in their new colors, however, they will be switching spots. Moore, who was at 149 last year and defeated now teammate Anthony White, who made a big jump to 165 this season, 3-0 at NCAAs, will now be down at 141. And Butler will make the jump to 149. At the top of the lineup, Slavikouski, who transferred from Harvard, will look to improve upon his round of 12 appearance from last season where he finished with a 30-6 record. Wrestlers to watch Dylan Shawver Shawver will be moving up to 133 this year after being at 125 as a freshman during the 20-21 season. But before he stepped back into the lineup for Rutgers he represented Puerto Rico in Freestyle at 61kg this week. Top out-of-conference dual vs #4 Virginia Tech on Nov. 17 Mark your calendars for this one. The week before Thanksgiving there will be no sharing or pleasantries as Rutgers hosts the fourth-ranked Hokies on Nov. 17. Jersey Mike’s Arena is sure to be rocking on Friday night. The biggest matches to watch during this dual include: 125: #6 Dean Peterson vs #4 Eddie Ventresca; 197: #12 John Poznanski vs #16 Andy Smith; Hwt: #6 Yaraslau Slavikouski vs #16 Hunter Catka.

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2023-24 Rutgers Preview

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